The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
National History Day awards earned by former AT US students can be found in room C121. Now, the future of NHD is now up in the air after its grant was slashed.
Federal cuts halt longstanding National History Day program
U-High student journalists have been recognized for their work through national awards.
U-High student journalists win national awards
Surrounded by fellow students, junior Sara Park dances at Spring Fling on April 5 in the Sherry Lansing Theater.
Spring Fling enchants, charms with themed decor
Juniors Vivianna Nieto and Audrey Tian use their phones before their Neuroscience & Behavior class. Committees for cell phone and club policies presented their proposals at a March 5 faculty meeting, sparking discussions on classroom engagement, academic balance and the student experience at U-High.
Phone, clubs policies analyzed
U-Highlights staff members celebrate sending the 2025 yearbook to print in a March 31 tribute.
2025 U-Highlights yearbook to be released this spring
In a Nov. 15 practice, Aeros Racing team member Aran Malhotra prepares for the the World Finals 2024. The F1 in Schools team placed first at the National Finals April 7-9, earning them a return to the World Finals this fall.
F1 in Schools team finishes first at national finals, advancing to global stage
Model United Nations team members pose with awards won at the Northwestern University MUN conference April 10-13. The team earned best large delegation and numerous individual awards.
MUN team earns best large delegation at Northwestern conference
Science Olympiad team members complete final preparations before the state competition on April 12, where the team placed third, missing the bid for nationals by four points.
Science team ends season with historic third place at state competition
Ninth grader Kian Ladner-Huq works on an off-season robot in December 2024. The U-High Robotics Team finished its season April 4-6.
Robotics Team finishes season with learning experience
At the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational, U-High’s Mock Trial team did not place, though junior Naomi Benton and sophomore Priya Yamada each received best witness awards. 
Mock trial team ends season with individual wins at state competition
Driven to serve: Alumni pursue careers in public service
Driven to serve: Alumni pursue careers in public service
Addicted to the Algorithm
Addicted to the Algorithm
10 x 10: Midway 100
10 x 10: Midway 100
Vice presidential candidate and previous educator Tim Walz addresses his supportive crowd at the 2024 DNC.
With former educator Walz on ticket, schools take spotlight
Freedom in the Balance
Freedom in the Balance
Sports Editor Milo Platz-Walker argues that the term 'Senioritis' needs to be reframed with academic burnout being addressed.
Reframe ‘senioritis’ and recognize academic burnout in second semester
Reporter Cecily Bensmaia argues that access to education for women should be expanded to provide opportunities globally.
Expand access to education to empower women
The Editorial Board argues that the Lab administration must be more transparent and clarify the addition of new adminstration positions amid ongoing budget cuts.
Administration: Be transparent
Reporter Nadia Washington argues that low-stake assessments offer more of a value to students and teachers.
Incorporating more low-stakes assessments will be positive to students
Reporter Gabriel Wang urges parents to support students' growth rather than pressure them about college admissions.
Parents should refrain from pressuring students about college
During the service learning portion of sophomore retreat, sophomore Tyra Deweese volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Over the course of the year, sophomores have grown by giving back to their communities as part of their 30 hour community service requirement
Audio: Sophomores learn, grow through service learning
Meaning of masculinity
Meaning of masculinity
Four male-identifying members of the U-High community, Theodore Stripling, Ares Cajas, Whit Waterstraat and George Ofori-Mante, sat down for a discussion about masculinity.
Masculinity roundtable: Male-identifying U-High members discuss the meaning of masculinity
For transgender students at U-High, there is a looming fear of the government’s actions, even when surrounded by supportive friends and family.
New policy prompts fear among transgender students
In a particularly competitive year for the annual Hunt, sophomores Nanak Ofori-Mante and Alethia Ikem emerged victorious, their second time competing in the Hunt after a failed attempt last year.
Audio: Competing in annual Hunt challenge, students build confidence
Students practice lifeguarding skills in Sunny Gymnasium as part of a U-High class. U-High students say lifeguarding provides them with work experience and helps build connections with fellow employees.
Lifeguarding provides students with work experience, camaraderie
A second location of 5 Rabanitos, a Mexican restaurant based in the Pilsen neighborhood, is now open at 1301 E. 53rd St..
Pilsen’s 5 Rabanitos restaurant opens second location in Hyde Park
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
The "Coco - Robot Food Delivery" app allows users to order robot food deliveries from certain restaurants. These robots are available in the 27th and 34th ward of Chicago and are also in use in Los Angeles.
Coco Robotics pilot program reimagines, optimizes food delivery
“The Life List,” a new Netflix film released on March 28, is a charming romantic comedy that combines a meaningful journey of self-discovery and growth with a well-developed and wholesome romance.
‘The Life List’ finds the heart in healing
Prestige television introduces depth and complex themes in a uniquely beautiful way, from the cinematography to the dialogue. These themes challenge us to view ourselves and the power structures that surround us differently.
The comedy of despair: Prestige TV transforms power, trauma, misery into riveting, addictive dramas
Junior Adam Tapper has found a passion for writing literary translations, from Yiddish and German, two languages to which he feels a deep connection due to his family’s heritage.
Lost words, new voices: Junior Adam Tapper works to preserve and share minority languages
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (“I should have taken more photos”), is a Spanish album by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny released on Jan. 5. The album features 17 tracks, including hits such as “DtMF” and “NUEVAYoL,” all of which cement Bad Bunny’s ability to create yet another stand out and versatile album.
Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’ is a genre-blending ode to Puerto Rico
Sophomore Aiden Yu and other members of the U-High Chamber Collective perform a female-forward pop concert in Gordon Parks Arts Hall on March 5, raising funds for the Chicago Foundation for Women.
Video: U-High Chamber Collective holds female-forward pop fundraiser
Sophomore Taara Sajdeh was chosen for the IHSA Student Advisory committee, which includes one student from each of Illinois’ 21 districts.
Taara Sajdeh selected for IHSA Student Advisory Committee
Senior Brayden Kenny prepares to swing as he steps up to the plate during the varsity baseball team's game against Lincoln Park High School on April 5.
U-High athletes navigate college athletic recruitment
Sofia Piccola takes her final strides during an indoor track competition. The team ended its season March 29 at the Illinois Top Times competition and the Illinois Indoor Championships, which happened on the same day.
Indoor track wrap up: runners break multiple school records
In a March 26 tennis practice, ninth grader Alexander Yamini returns a ball in a serving and returning drill. “Practice helps me to improve my skills on the court,” Alexander said. “Every day that I go to practice I feel that I have added to my tennis skill set. People tend to see the final product or the polished skill, but they don’t always recognize the countless hours of struggling with things that didn’t work out during training.”
Gallery: Practice Makes Perfect
Junior Isabella Huang, a varsity volleyball player, and senior Maya Pytel, a varsity soccer player, show off their gear. Both Isabella and Maya selectively choose their gear from the brands they most trust.
Battle of the Brands: U-High athletes balance performance, style when choosing gear
A student selects various vegetables from the salad bar. Recent changes to the salad bar offerings in Cafe Lab have inspired students to consider healthier lunch options.
Improvements in healthier lunch options encourage mindful eating
FY FUTURE. Nature’s Fynd yogurts and patties are sold at local grocery stores like Whole Foods and Mariano’s. The company’s Dairy-Free Fy™ Yogurt recently won the 2025 NEXTY Award for Best New Dairy Alternative.
From Yellowstone to yogurt, Nature’s Fynd creates microbe-based protein
Senior Noah Hoereth exercises in the fitness center. Recently, students have been using the fitness center for workouts, finding that the physical activity reaps mental rewards.
Audio: Fitness center workouts provide mental health benefits
LAUGH IT OFF. Laughter helps in reducing stress, strengthening your immune system, and bringing people closer together. In fact, you're 30 times more likely to laugh when you're with someone else than when you're alone.
Ha-ha for healthy healing
FLAWED FORMULA. Once a primary tool for diagnosing obesity, BMI is now being challenged for its oversimplified approach to health. The formula was created for population studies, not individual health assessments.
Experts doubt traditional obesity weight classification
A student selects various vegetables from the salad bar. Recent changes to the salad bar offerings in Cafe Lab have inspired students to consider healthier lunch options.
Improvements in healthier lunch options encourage mindful eating
During the service learning portion of sophomore retreat, sophomore Tyra Deweese volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Over the course of the year, sophomores have grown by giving back to their communities as part of their 30 hour community service requirement
Audio: Sophomores learn, grow through service learning
Senior Noah Hoereth exercises in the fitness center. Recently, students have been using the fitness center for workouts, finding that the physical activity reaps mental rewards.
Audio: Fitness center workouts provide mental health benefits
In a particularly competitive year for the annual Hunt, sophomores Nanak Ofori-Mante and Alethia Ikem emerged victorious, their second time competing in the Hunt after a failed attempt last year.
Audio: Competing in annual Hunt challenge, students build confidence
New website game PolyTrack allows students to bond as they compete to get the fastest time around the track.
Audio: PolyTrack ignites friendly competition among students racing to beat best times
Surrounded by fellow students, junior Sara Park dances at Spring Fling on April 5 in the Sherry Lansing Theater.
Spring Fling enchants, charms with themed decor
In a March 26 tennis practice, ninth grader Alexander Yamini returns a ball in a serving and returning drill. “Practice helps me to improve my skills on the court,” Alexander said. “Every day that I go to practice I feel that I have added to my tennis skill set. People tend to see the final product or the polished skill, but they don’t always recognize the countless hours of struggling with things that didn’t work out during training.”
Gallery: Practice Makes Perfect
In a recurring scene about a student stuck in a time loop, junior Evelyn Halbach, left, relives the same experience of helping senior Taylor Landrey with her homework.
Gallery: Student Experimental Theater
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.
Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression
TRIUMPHANT TACTICS. Surrounded by players, varsity boys basketball coach Andre Battle discusses mid-game adjustments during a game against the Latin School of Chicago in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Jan. 17. The game ended in a decisive 58-44 victory.
Gallery: Coaching with Care
Connections: March 31, 2025
Connections: March 31, 2025
Connections: Feb. 25, 2025
Connections: Feb. 25, 2025
Connections Feb. 18, 2025
Connections Feb. 18, 2025
The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Abhay Chandran

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor

Abhay Chandran is a member of the Class of 2026 and serves as an audience engagement editor. He began in the 2023-24 school year as a sophomore. Outside of journalism, he enjoys performing in theater, writing sketch comedy and reading about psychology.

Awards:

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Boston convention: Honorable mention, yearbook copy/caption: academics

All content by Abhay Chandran
LAUGH IT OFF. Laughter helps in reducing stress, strengthening your immune system, and bringing people closer together. In fact, you're 30 times more likely to laugh when you're with someone else than when you're alone.

Ha-ha for healthy healing

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor
April 2, 2025
Connections: March 31, 2025

Connections: March 31, 2025

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor
March 31, 2025
Connections: Feb. 25, 2025

Connections: Feb. 25, 2025

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor
February 25, 2025
Trushar Patel has been running Rajun Cajun, his family-owned resturaunt in Hyde Park on 53rd street, for the past 30 years. Inspired by the previous owner’s Southern cooking, Rajun Cajun serves customers a unique blend of both Indian and southern cuisine.

Combining culture and comfort: Trushar Patel gives Indian food a Southern twist

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor
February 13, 2025
“Cunk On Life,” which began streaming on Netflix Dec. 30, follows mockumentarian Philomena Cunk taking a deep dive into philosophy, the meaning of life and the nature of reality.

‘Cunk on Life’ provides both meaning and humor

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor
February 3, 2025
Flag Forward

Flag Forward

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor
January 14, 2025
After undergoing surgery because of a medical complication, Stefanie Giurcanu founded her company RoShe Ventures to fund efforts to help Romanian girls to forge their own career paths.

Inspiring Interests: Stefanie Giurcanu uses her experiences to help Romanian girls pursue science, arts

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor
December 20, 2024
The car which caught fire on the Midway Plaisance Dec. 5 remains in its parking spot Dec. 6. Many students bore witness to the fire as they were leaving school.

Car fire on Midway Plaisance gains attention of community

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Manager
December 6, 2024
The re-election of former president Donald Trump elicited disheartenment from members of the Lab community as students feared how political issues like abortion access and immigration rights will be impacted by another Trump presidency.

Trump reelection sparks concern from Lab community about rights, policies

Mia Lipson and Abhay Chandran
November 13, 2024
A student reads a Schoology post from Dean of Students Ana Campos warning high schoolers about a second phishing email sent to accounts linked to the University of Chicago.

Students warned following phishing emails incident

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
October 29, 2024
With Thanksgiving approaching, students and faculty reflect on what they are thankful for in their lives.

Vox Pop: How have budget cuts affected recertifying and running clubs?

Abhay Chandran and Kabir Joshi
October 17, 2024
TRUSTED TRANSIT. Senior Joonsung Kim gets into his Uber on the corner of South east View Park and East 54th Street.

Uber Teen offers safer option for students

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor
October 16, 2024
An educational student trip to Italy will be hosted by Latin teacher Frances Spaltro this spring break.

Students to experience Rome in spring break trip

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
September 19, 2024
In this Vox Pop, we asked students what they are most excited for this year.

Vox pop: what sudents are most excited for this year

Abhay Chandran, Edward Park, Ari Novak, Orlie Weitzman, Naomi Benton, and Light Dohrn
September 13, 2024
Reporter Abhay Chandran argues that sequels are harmful towards the animation industry and instead animators should produce authentic new stories.

Animators should focus more on telling new stories than creating more sequels

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
September 12, 2024
Bonjour, Olympiques!

Bonjour, Olympiques!

Abhay Chandran, Juliana Daugherty, Lucia Dumitrescu, Sohana Schneider, Caroline Skelly, and Orlie Weitzman
May 30, 2024
7 Olympic events not to miss

7 Olympic events not to miss

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
May 30, 2024
Ten years and 261 episodes later, many things have changed about “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” the least of which has been John Oliver’s appearance. Despite the change it has undergone, “Last Week Tonight” continues to be an extremely informative show. The show’s Emmy-winning writing is made obvious through its comprehensive deep dives, strategic structure and intricate web of inside jokes.

10 years later, ‘Last Week Tonight’ continues to provide informational, entertaining experience

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
May 23, 2024
Positive Presentation. Expanding student perspectives, Spectrum leaders Alex Fogel and Aaron Moss use their social justice workshop to celebrate underrepresented identities. The workshop on April 10 used a combination of general information and personal experience to help inform attendees about underrepresented micro labels and why they rarely received representation. It was ”Less about having a difficult conversation and more just about having, sort of presenting various facets that don’t get talked about very often,” Aaron said. “We hope to just kind of normalize that conversation within Lab about things you don’t hear about often, not negatively, but positively.”

Spectrum takes positive approach toward social justice workshop

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
May 17, 2024
Jaya Alenghat, Chloë Alexander and Clare McRoberts will be editors-in-chief for 2024-25.

Midway editors selected for 2024-25 school year

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
April 26, 2024
Reporter Abhay Chandran argues by prioritizing the elimination of issues like greenwashing, we will be able to genuinely approach net-zero emissions making far more progress toward sustainability.

Stop greenwashing: critical to more sustainable planet

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
April 15, 2024
In their final match of the season, the robotics team competed at the Midwest regional at the University of Illinois at Chicago and advanced to the semi-finals. In addition, the team won the Innovation in Control award for its use of machine learning and computer vision.

Robotics team wins innovation award at last match of the season

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
April 8, 2024
U-High Podcast Club host Aerianna Rai-Marchant interviews a source for a story. Since the U-High Podcast Club’s creation in September, members have been working toward the goal of helping students and faculty members understand one another outside of the classroom.

Audio: Podcast Club’s first episode brings community together

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
April 4, 2024
The varsity debate team placed first during the Maine East Regatta in Park Ridge Feb. 9-11.

Debate team continues strong performance at recent conference

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
February 28, 2024
Students take bagels at Jewish Students’ Association club, where bagels are offered every Friday. Food plays a crucial role in many clubs in a range of ways, from attracting members to raising money.

Food fills a range of roles in club activities

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
January 9, 2024
Junior Nathan Lio illustrates an idea during a club meeting for the U-High chapter of the American Rocketry Challenge.

New engineering club plans to design rockets, partake in contest

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
November 2, 2023
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